Today Rev. Jesse Jackson died. A human rights advocate and political figure, he bridged the civil rights era of Martin Luther King and the modern era of Barack Obama. Jesse Jackson was present when Martin Luther King was killed, and went on television the following day wearing clothing stained by his blood. In the years and decades that followed, Jackson did a lot to advance civil rights for Black Americans. A serious candidate for president in 1984 and 1988, Jackson won as much as 29% of the Democratic primary vote. His presence as a political leader and his advocacy for voting rights contributed to the eventual election of our first Black president.
This death comes during the month when we celebrate Black History. Two counterpoints in today’s news demonstrate the importance of that history. First, as a society we decide what to celebrate from our past: heroes to lift up as examples of values-based living. Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King, and Barack Obama are such men. Charlie Kirk is not. Yet Florida and a few other states are trying to pass laws to commemorate Kirk—whose stated views were blatantly racist. As one Black Florida lawmaker stated, this is like having a law proposed by the KKK.
The second counterpoint to celebrating Jesse Jackson is the removal of historical exhibits, under the Trump administration, honoring Black history. In a positive development yesterday, a judge ordered Trump to restore a slavery exhibit that he had removed from George Washington’s home in Philadelphia.
History matters. Our values matter—as expressed in our laws, in our museums, in our history books, and in our holidays. As Unitarian Universalists, we recommit ourselves again this day to racial justice. We hold love as the highest value, and we fiercely believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The life and deeds of Jesse Jackson are in line with these values. Let us remember him in honor and pledge to do what we can with our voice in our time.
PRAYER:
Rev. Jesse, child of South Carolina and of Chicago, rest in peace.
Rest in power, brother Jackson. We can still hear your powerful voice making speeches at the Democratic National Convention, offering hope and inspiration.
May your legacy be one of hope and of increasing freedom and justice.
May we continue that work today and every day.
Amen.
Rev. Drew Frantz
February 17, 2026
This death comes during the month when we celebrate Black History. Two counterpoints in today’s news demonstrate the importance of that history. First, as a society we decide what to celebrate from our past: heroes to lift up as examples of values-based living. Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King, and Barack Obama are such men. Charlie Kirk is not. Yet Florida and a few other states are trying to pass laws to commemorate Kirk—whose stated views were blatantly racist. As one Black Florida lawmaker stated, this is like having a law proposed by the KKK.
The second counterpoint to celebrating Jesse Jackson is the removal of historical exhibits, under the Trump administration, honoring Black history. In a positive development yesterday, a judge ordered Trump to restore a slavery exhibit that he had removed from George Washington’s home in Philadelphia.
History matters. Our values matter—as expressed in our laws, in our museums, in our history books, and in our holidays. As Unitarian Universalists, we recommit ourselves again this day to racial justice. We hold love as the highest value, and we fiercely believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The life and deeds of Jesse Jackson are in line with these values. Let us remember him in honor and pledge to do what we can with our voice in our time.
PRAYER:
Rev. Jesse, child of South Carolina and of Chicago, rest in peace.
Rest in power, brother Jackson. We can still hear your powerful voice making speeches at the Democratic National Convention, offering hope and inspiration.
May your legacy be one of hope and of increasing freedom and justice.
May we continue that work today and every day.
Amen.
Rev. Drew Frantz
February 17, 2026
RSS Feed
